Gleason educates students on foreign service

The job market looks grim to many these days, especially students anticipating graduating in May.

But for those with a sense of adventure, a love for travel, or even a mastery of foreign languages, President Obama’s foreign policy agenda could be the light at the end of the tunnel.

In an effort to increase global diplomacy, the United States Department of State will be hiring in the near future.

State Department representative Bill Gleason met with Doane students in Washington D.C on Jan. 16th to discuss potential career opportunities in Foreign Service.

“Foreign service is going to double in size within the next two years”, Gleason said. “This is the time to serve…people around the world are looking at this stuff.”

Gleason, a former political science professor at Doane from 1980 to 1995, is an expert in Russian and Soviet studies. He trains career diplomats in Eastern European affairs, prepping those on their way to countries such as Russia, Ukraine and Poland. Gleason said those interested in similar fields could have some great opportunities in the near future.

“Government is making a comeback,” he said. “Ten years ago, if someone said they were going into Foreign Service, it would have raised several eyebrows. Now it’s different. It’s becoming cool again.”

Still, Gleason said working for the government abroad was not for everyone. Not only does it require passing an arduous written entrance exam and oral assessment, but fluency in a foreign language and a desire to travel are a must.

For those who with these qualifications, he said, the benefits could be enticing. Foreign Service Officers receive a base pay of more than $40,000 per year, which is tax free while stationed abroad, plus full health and life insurance coverage. The government also covers an officer’s housing, car, and school bills, in addition to paying off student loans.

Gleason said the monetary benefits of serving the United States abroad were trumped by the international experiences he gained.

While stationed in Kiev, Ukraine, the cultural norms, such as small talk during an official meeting and the constant consumption of hard alcohol, were some strange, but memorable experiences.

“The relationship precedes the deal,” he said. “The relationship precedes the discussion.”